The Canary Islands are a Spanish archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean off the northwest coast of Africa, known for year-round mild weather, volcanic landscapes, and beaches across islands including Tenerife, Gran Canaria, Lanzarote, and Fuerteventura.
Family activities
Engaging experiences for travellers of every age.
Loro Parque
World-class wildlife park with orcas, gorillas, tigers, sea lions, and Europe's largest parrot collection. An unmissable full day for families.
Siam Park
The world's No.1-ranked water park. Thai-themed with spectacular slides, a wave pool, lazy river, and toddler area. Book online.
Palmitos Park
A botanical garden and wildlife park in the Maspalomas barranco with parrots, flamingos, dolphins, raptors, and an aquarium. Quieter than Loro Parque.
Maspalomas Dunes (Camel Rides)
Camel rides across the spectacular Maspalomas Dunes offer a unique experience for children. Short circuits (20 min) through the dunes.
Submarine Safari, Playa de las Américas
A real submarine (not a boat with windows) descending to 30m depth to see Atlantic marine life including rays and fish. Departs Los Cristianos harbour.
Whale Watching, Los Cristianos
Pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins are resident year-round in the waters off southern Tenerife. Multiple operators at Los Cristianos harbour.
Family-friendly hotels
Accommodation designed with families in mind.
Hotel Hesperia Playa Dorada
A well-run family resort in Playa Blanca with direct beach access, a children's pool, kids' entertainment, and multiple restaurants.
Where: Playa Blanca
Family features: Children's pool, Kids' club (4–12), All-inclusive option, Beachfront location
Abora Interclub Atlantic by Lopesan
A large family resort in San Agustín with its own water slides, mini club for children, and comprehensive entertainment. Good base for Maspalomas.
Where: San Agustín
Family features: Mini club, Water park on site, Multiple pools, Entertainment programme
Jardín Tropical
An upmarket family option in Costa Adeje with Moorish architecture, lush gardens, and proximity to Siam Park and the main resort beaches.
Where: Costa Adeje
Family features: Family rooms and suites, Children's pool, Kids' club, 5-minute drive to Siam Park
Bungalows Cordial Mango
Self-catering bungalows in a green complex in Playa del Inglés. Excellent for families wanting space and independence at a lower price than hotels.
Where: Playa del Inglés
Family features: Self-catering bungalows, Pool, Garden space, Walking distance to dunes
Dining with kids
Eating out as a family.
Most Canarian restaurants welcome children and provide high chairs on request — eating late (21:00+) is not expected for families with young children; 19:30 is acceptable
Papas arrugadas (wrinkled potatoes with mojo sauce) and fresh fish are almost universally liked by children — a safe starting point for picky eaters
Supermarkets (HiperDino, Mercadona) stock familiar European brands for baby food, snacks, and drinks — stocking up for beach days saves money
Heladerías (ice cream shops) are plentiful across all resort areas — Canarian ice cream (helado canario) often includes gofio and honey rum flavours
Pizza and pasta restaurants are abundant in resort areas for nights when children won't try local food
All-inclusive resorts suit families with young children who want predictable mealtimes and informal buffet dining without negotiating menus
Family travel tips
Practical advice for stress-free family trips.
Build downtime into every day — over-scheduled kids melt down faster than tired adults.
Carry snacks, water, and a small first-aid kit at all times.
Many attractions offer discounted family tickets — ask at the ticket window.